LOS ANGELES — Nearly 50 activists demonstrated today near the site of a political fundraiser attended by President Barack Obama urging him to support Internet neutrality protections.

Protesters at the rally organized by Free Press and MoveOn.org Civic Action held up signs reading “Obama don’t mess with the net” and “Don’t kill the Internet” near the Hancock Park home of television producer Shonda Rhimes, where Obama attended a late-afternoon Democratic National Committee fundraising reception and dinner.

“We’re here to tell President Obama ... that we want him to reclassify the Internet as a common carrier ... because the Internet is something that belongs in the public commons,” said Lauren Steiner, an activist who attended the rally.

The open comment period to the Federal Communications Commission on a proposal that would create faster Internet speeds for websites that pay a fee is nearing its conclusion.

The protesters said they gathered to remind Obama of his campaign pledge to his commitment to net neutrality.

“It’s about time that he maintains accountability for his actions. He promised people something that he didn’t come forward on and it’s about time he does,” activist Robert St. Pierre said.